Bill Ross
Position sought: Mayor, City of Monroe
Age: 74
City/town of residence: Monroe
Family: Wife – Marilyn Sandin-Ross
Education: University of Phoenix - MBA; Virginia Polytechnic Institute – B.A. degree in Economics
Occupation: Retired; Author of the popular fictional ‘Monroe Mystery Series’ books
Previous elected positions held: Mayor, City of Monroe
Incumbent Mayor Louis Armstrong is being challenged by former Monroe Mayor Bill Ross. The mayoral position is a two-year term.
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it?
I feel very enthusiastic and optimistic about the future of the City of Monroe. One of my main priorities for the city is economic development that benefits all the citizens of Monroe. By that, I mean looking for employment opportunities that offer living wage jobs and sustaining the quality of life that we all enjoy. I recognize that this goal is a big challenge, but an important one. We can accomplishment this by working with our partners at the state level, as well as our local organizations. We should never lose the focus, taking our eye off the ball, to improve our daily lives. I am an advocate for inter-governmental cooperation. Monroe is not an island, so working with the townships and Green County is essential for our well-being as a city. This is accomplished through good communication and joint problem solving. For a city to function at a high level, transparency of government is essential. The mayor, alders and city staff need to work together as a team to provide our citizens with the best government they can trust and rely on. I will work very hard to ensure that the city is operating at a very high level of efficiency and professionalism which our citizens expect.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
Another issue that is important to me, as well as to our taxpaying citizens, is taxes. Taxes are stubborn things but a necessary burden that we all share. The city has the responsibility to be good stewards of our taxpayer dollars by spending those dollars sensibly and judiciously. Serious debate needs to take place among city officials to get as much input as possible to make the right financial decisions. Paramount during this process is to respect everyone’s point of view and vote accordingly. Another important issue for the mayor is to make himself available to attend informational forums. Service groups, for example, invite the mayor to attend one of its meetings to give citizens an update on city activities and to answer any questions they may have. The mayor needs to be knowledgeable and prepared in his remarks assuring the citizens that the city is in good hands. My motto has always been, ‘Monroe Strong’. Another strength that a mayor must have is taking great pride in being the face of the city. He is often called upon to welcome elected officials and visitors to our city. I bring an exuberance during these occasions to showcase our rich Swiss Heritage with a warm ‘Monroe Welcome.’ Ribbon Cuttings by the mayor for new businesses is also essential giving new entrepreneurs the support and backing of the city.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I feel I am well qualified and I have the experience to be the next mayor of the city of Monroe. Having lived, worked and volunteered in Monroe over the past 30 years, I have fallen in love with the city and all it has to offer. I have the energy and grit to tackle the many challenges and opportunities that will face the city of Monroe over the next two years. I have the heart and character to lead this great city, and I am asking for your vote on April 7. Together, we can accomplish great things!
